In 2008, three friends gathered together asked, “How can we engage our generation in the fight against Parkinson’s?” In that moment, a signature Parkinson’s Foundation event — Celebrate Spring New York — was born.

In its first year, Celebrate Spring New York, was a resounding success. Not only that, it turned out to be an important way of gathering like-minded young professionals who shared a common experience — a loved one who lived with Parkinson’s.

Nearly a decade later, the event has raised more than $750,000 for research and has brought hundreds of young professionals to the cause. Tonight, we mark the 10th anniversary of the event at LAVO in New York City.

Back in 2008, event co-founders, G. Pennington “Penn” Egbert III (now a Foundation board member) and his sister Missy Egbert Sheehan created Celebrate Spring in honor of their father who had lived with Parkinson’s.

In the years to come, the siblings grew the event with the help of friends like Gregory and Barbara Romero and Jonathan Romero, Jr. whose father was impacted as well.

It wasn’t long before their efforts inspired a group of young professionals in Boston, who brought their own Celebrate Spring event to life, which has raised $180,000!

Tonight’s 10th anniversary event illustrates the impact that young professionals have had on the cause. Jon Romero, longtime event leader and chair, will present a $15,000 grant to the Parkinson’s Foundation, given by Northwestern Mutual as part of its Community Service Award recognizing Jon’s ten years of volunteer efforts for the Foundation.

When three friends gathered nearly a decade ago, they wanted to make a difference.

We are grateful to have their continued support — in New York and Boston and beyond — in inspiring the next generation to work toward a world without Parkinson’s.

Do you live near New York, NY? Join us atCelebrate Spring New York. The festive evening features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dancing with music by DJ Brenda Black, dessert and a live auction benefitting the Foundation. Tickets and sponsorships are available on our website here.

Are you interested in hosting your own event to get young professionals involved in the cause? Contact us at info@pdf.org.

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